If I didn’t need to sleep, it’s almost tempting to believe I’d conquer the world in those extra hours. Maybe I’d finally crack open the books gathering dust on my shelves or write that novel I keep telling myself I’ll get to—right after my next cup of coffee, of course. But in reality? Well, my current sleep habits already give me a sneak peek into what wouldn’t happen.

When I was running on fewer hours of sleep a while back, I was surprisingly productive. I zipped through tasks, one after another, like I was fueled by some mythical, sleepless force. Yet, something has shifted. These days, the idea of free hours makes me wonder if I’d just fall into what I do when I should be productive: watch Hallmark movies, zone out, and indulge in those dreamy “what if” scenarios where I become a world-renowned novelist, motivational speaker, or the next great travel influencer. (Those trips to Bali and Tokyo sure do look fabulous in my imagination!)

But let’s entertain the thought that I do use my sleepless time effectively. Maybe I’d finally learn to play the piano or take up painting. I could even brush up on my French (oui, oui!). The possibilities are endless, but the funny part is, sometimes it’s the pressure of time itself that makes us freeze up. When the whole night stretches out before you, what do you do with the boundless options?

In truth, even if I had endless hours, the allure of mindless escapism pulls me in. Maybe that’s what those hours are really for—daydreaming, recharging in a different way, and letting the brain wander into its own version of “productive vegging.” And while some would say “Carpe diem! Seize the extra time!”—I think I’d let the moments just be…with a Hallmark movie in the background, of course.

Who knows? If I had even more time, I’d probably use some of it just to imagine more grandiose dreams. Isn’t that what sleeplessness is for anyway?